How Melody’s working donkeys support her community in Zimbabwe
Melody lives in the rural Chivi district in south east Zimbabwe, relying on her donkeys to support her family and the wider community. As the area is prone to ongoing drought which makes it hard to grow crops, her donkeys support Melody to plough fields and to transport water, firewood and food for her family.
Donkeys are often the backbone of rural life in Zimbabwe, with people relying on three or four donkeys to pull carts and ploughs in this area. People often let neighbours borrow their donkey, so they provide transport for the whole community.
Melody says: “Donkeys are valuable in our community. Donkeys are not confined to assisting a single person or household, they assist the community as a whole. I place a lot of value on the donkey, because, when a neighbour faces a challenge, they can ask me for access to the donkeys and go to the clinic.”
Working animals play a critical role in rural Zimbabwe, supporting many families. It’s so important that their welfare is not overlooked so that both working animals and the communities that rely on them can thrive. Our veterinary team provides essential treatment to working donkeys throughout the country, travelling thousands of miles every year in our six mobile clinics to reach small towns, villages and rural communities like Melody’s. Our permanent animal health and welfare centre has just opened in Tsholotsho, a district in Matabeleland North province in Zimbabwe, ensuring even more donkeys and their owners will be able to access crucial care and support.
Melody adds: “When our donkeys are sick, we take them to see the doctors at the clinic. These doctors specialise in donkeys, and when we take the donkeys to them, they also teach us how to treat each condition. The vets are important because we can share the ailments our donkeys are going through, including limping and wounds.”
Alongside providing veterinary care, we support owners as they develop the skills and knowledge to look after their animals with confidence and care. Our teams support animal owners through hosting community training sessions, advising on appropriate and comfortable harnessing, the right nutrition and how to treat minor wounds and ailments.
“Their assistance is giving our donkeys a chance to live a comfortable life. A donkey is of value to me. I love the donkey as much as I love my own child. I just want to see them in good health,” Melody adds.
Together, we’re building a world where working animals are healthy and valued, communities are stronger and livelihoods are more secure.
